Candidate's Pledge

The political season is now in full gear!

Hopefully, these candidates-to-be would include in their platforms “a moral crusade” since graft and corruption in the public (and even private) sector is a prime problem facing the nation! And, of course, poverty.

To put flesh to this moral crusade platform, hopefully also, candidates would make a written pledge under oath thus:

“I ASPIRE TO BE ELECTED/LEADER NOT TO GAIN POWER OR SECURE MATERIAL THINGS/ADVANTAGE – BUT TO SERVE FOR AMDG (the greater

glory of God) AND COUNTRY”

Incidentally, 13 Presidential aspirants did a “walk-in” and made written pledges under oath to uphold clean, honest elections.

After being elected, these public officials who violate this oath will not only be MORALLY guilty, but also subject to prosecution for PERJURY.

Thoughtless Extravagance

An obscure provision in the Civil Code (and maybe now forgotten) reads:

"THOUGHTLESS EXTRAVAGANCE IN EXPENSES FOR PLEASURE AND DISPLAY DURING A PERIOD OF ACUTE PUBLIC WANT OR EMERGENCY MAY BE STOPPED BY ORDER OF ANY GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE CHARITABLE INSTITUTION."

This is a reminder to people in government and even the private sector who thoughtlessly go on junkets/pleasure trips/display (even as they claim that they are using their own private money) -- especially addressed to the politicians and other government functionaries going to events and trips like the Pacqiuao/Hatton sports fest obviously to be seen to enhance their public image! And, of course, to unnecessary JUNKETS of Malacanang!

This is also addressed to the Pacqiuao family about to celebrate in luxurious abundance (for whatever the occasion) in the midst of acute public want in their very own province!

Do they still need a court order to stop then from this THOUGHTLESS EXTRAVAGANCE?

Kudos to Chief Justice Puno

Hurrah to Chief Justice Puno for providing a clear ROADMAP towards "redirecting the destiny of our Country" as. . . "it is suffering from moral decadence."

As pointed out by the Chief Justice, the main problem of the Country is "MORAL DECADENCE... the root cause of the density of power and corruption problem."

The crusading Chief Justice is asking religious and civil society leaders to "step forward and act as MORAL FORCES... and play a dominant role in redirecting the destiny of our people.

While religious and civil society are already at it, what the Chief Justice is advocating is a CONCERTED, VIGOROUS and UNITED effort which will be the MORAL FORCES to halt this MORAL DECADENCE: a moral crusade!

These leaders should accept this challenge PRONTO! Any delay could provide disastrous to our country - now suffering from economic, social, political and MORAL CRISIS.

God save our beloved Country!

Diwalwal National Treasure Instead of VAT

Most, if not all of the people involved or interested in Mining, know that the management and development of the 8,100 hectares Diwalwal Mining Reservation in Compostela Valley was assigned by the government to the Philippine Mining Development Corporation (formerly Natural Resources Mining Development Corporation), a 100% government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).

After five (5) years of PMDC's corporate existence, what has it accomplished so far?

PMDC (NRDC) concentrated its efforts during the first three (3) years in core drilling and other spade work (dewatering, repairing roads and tunnel, etc.) to find out for certain what's down there – and establish in certain terms the values of the mineral deposits – particularly its gold ores therein. After all, the biggest risk in mining is whether or not there are enough valuable minerals down under – and determine that the prospect is commercially viable. More than 91% of its capital seed money have been spent for this purpose, amounting to about PhP200 million.

EUREKA! Now it has been established that in the 779 hectares alone – there are more than enough minerals to start a commercially viable mining operations. And more than that, the 8,100 hectares could yield revenues for the government enough to pay its external debts/obligations, with some substantial money to spare to contribute to the national economy. A truly (not only figuratively) NATIONAL TREASURE!

Only about PhP500 million is needed to start the ball rolling – including the cost of the processin gmill (as estimated by the Planning Managers).

Even as this is being written, DBP has already approved a PhP450 million loan for this purpose. But to assure full operation and development of the entire (8,100) area, more local investors and financiers and needed.

In sum, Diwalwal project is now ready for FULL DEVELOPMENT. PMDC should not lose sight of its original Mission and Vision: TO MAXIMISE ITS EARNINGS FOR THE GOVERNMENT – and thus accelerate our country's ECONOMIC PROGRESS.

Thus, the DIWALWAL NATIONAL TREASURE ALONE WHEN PROPERLY DEVELOPED AND HARNESSED COULD VERY WELL REPLACE THE VAT LEVY WHICH IS PROVING TO BE TOO HEAVY A BURDEN TO THE PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE POOR!

Privatization of Government Performing Assets

Proclamation No. 50, the original privatization law, states the rationale behind the program:

"Article I. Section 1. Statement of Policy - It shall be the policy of the state to promote privatization through an orderly, coordinated and efficient programs for the prompt of disposition of the large number of non-performing assets of the government financial institutions, and certain government-owned or controlled corporations which have been found unnecessary or inappropriate for the government sector to maintain."

It is clear from this provision that NON-PERFORMING GOVERNMENT ASSETS are primarily the target of the law. The privatization law is the offshoot of Executive Order No. 5 (1986) creating a new agency the purpose of which is "to promote an orderly, coordinated and efficient privatization of remaining government corporation, assets, activities and idle properties."


The following PERFORMING ASSETS have been privatized: PNB, PETRON, PNOC-EDC, TRANSCO. Why? Are not these clear violations of the above stated policy?


The proceeds of these dispositions are supposed to be remitted to the national treasury of which 60% is for the Agrarian Reform Fund and 40% to the General Fund. For GOCC's, 50% of the proceeds is to be remitted to the government. Is this being followed?

A Public Servant's Stations of the Cross

Public servants presently in government service or about to serve the government should expect the following Stations of the Cross if he/she intends to be faithful in the discharge of this public trust:

First Station: The Last Supper (The Moment of Decision)

This is the crucial moment when one decides to enter government service knowing fully well that a government career is not a financially rewarding career since government employment is supposed to be service - and service means sacrifice!

Second Station: The Agony in Gethsemani (Agony on the Kind of Servant One Will Be)

As he goes about performing his duties, he will be guided by a mission to serve for the greater good to the greatest number or will he be motivated primarily to advance his self interests or to acquire greater power, prestige and material and financial gain? Thus, the agony of deciding what kind of a public servant one will be.

Third Station: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin (Condemnation without Trial)

A public servant who does not succumb to undue pressure from the person or group of persons interested in upholding their self-interest, when presented or brought to the attention of the person in authority over the public servant, will be condemned without trial and to face the consequences of such condemnation either by suspension or even dismissal from the service and/or suffer other penalties and punishment or thrown to the mercy of his tormentors.

Fourth Station: The Scourging and Crowning with Thorns (Criticism, Unjust Accusation, Ridicule, Condemnation, Even Persecution For Upright Public Servant)

Expect all these as one pursues good governance, upholding of truth and transparency and doing what is just and right – coming from those who are adversely affected by the public servant's adherence to their virtues and ideals.

Fifth Station: Jesus Receives The Cross (The start of Unjust Punishments and Penalties and Other Consequences of the Upright Public Servant)

Upholding one's principle and what is just and right could result in the imposition of unjust penalties and punishment- and even unfair public condemnation as a result of trial by publicity. Evil, at least temporarily, triumphs. He receives and starts to carry his cross.

Sixth Station: Jesus Falls Under the Weight of the Cross (The Public Servant Falls the First Time)

True to the unjust penalties and punishment to be imposed on him, he falls for the first time and succumbs to the undue pressure – and allows and tolerates activities which are not in consonance with good governance and for the greater good to the greatest number.

Seventh Station: Simon of Cyrene Carries the Cross of Jesus (Some Friends Come to the Rescue)

To somehow alleviate and mitigate the punishment and penalties and of his adverse consequences imposed on them, some friends come to the rescue of the temporarily fallen public servant. But their efforts are not enough to escape from the unjust punishment, penalties and other consequences being imposed. It only temporarily lightens the heavy burden of his cross.

Eigtht Station: Jesus Meets the Pious Women of Jerusalem (Additional Help and Assistance is Given By Some Women of Good Will)

Because of the righteousness of the condemned public servants' cause, some women of good will rise in defence of the unjustly condemned one. But again, because of the power and influence of his tormentors, this is not enough to exonerate the fallen crusader.

Ninth Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross (A Just Public Servant is Unfairly Condemned/Convicted)

The tormentors of the upright public servant finally succees in upholding their personal interest to the prejudice of good governance and “the greater good of the greatest number” - and in the process he further suffers a “nailing to the cross” before the public through trial by publicity and exposition of any “defects” or trivial sins he may have commited in the past.

Tenth Station: The Repentant Thief (A Justly Convicted/Condemned Public Servant Is Saved Because of his Sincere Repentance)

Some justly convicted/condemned are rehabilitated due to sincere repentance and are therefor saved -and even repairs his good narme and reputation. There is hope even for justly convicted/condemned public servants!

Eleventh Station: Mary and John at the Foot of the Cross (Persons Closest to the Unjustly Condemned Public Servant Publicly Defends Him)

Additional efforts are exerted by the persons closest to the unjustly condemned public servant proved futile and an exercise in futility and the public servant's torment continues.

Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross (The Public Servant Gives Up His Crusade)

Seeing the Futility of his crusade and the seeming hopelessly of succes in bringing about good governance towards the greater good to the greatest number, the public servant gives up on hs mission.

Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (The Silence of the Tomb)

The silence of the tomb engulfs the air. The public servant after being “laid to rest”, now remains silent to contemplate what to do with his mission as a dedicated public servant.

Lord Jesus, hearing his/her meditation, please enlighten him/her and send forth His Spirit to guide him/her what to do.

Fourteenth Station: Jesus Rises from Death (The Dedicated Public Servant Rises Once Again)

Jesus rose from the dead three days after his death. Will the public servant rise again from his/her death to pursue his/her mission for “the greater good to the greatest number” ?

Dear Jesus, we pray that this dedicated servant will not abandon his/her mission, even if already out of public service. Give him/her Hope that somehow, sometime, soon, he will “rise again from the dead!”

A Peaen To The Sunvalley Ladies

Way back in the late 60's an intrepid group of Sunvalley ladies, headed by the late Jojo Javier, a Pro-Patria Awardee, trooped to Cardinal Sin to plead for the establishment of a parish in Sunvalley. The were inspired by Fr. Quaranta who said (at the time he brought over the image of the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary to Sunvalley) : THIS LADY WILL UNVEIL A MIRACLE FOR SUNVALLEY.

True enough, OLMHR parish soon became a reality and a Church built from generous contributions of the people. A MIRACLE indeed! The prime mover: the ladies of Sunvalley then known as THE LADIES AUXILIARY of the Sunvalley Homeowners' Association.

Through the years, the Sunvalley Ladies spear headed the development and beautification of Sunvalley under the auspices of the Association.

The Ladies' Auxiliary meta morphed to what is now known as THE GARDEN CLUB. Largely thru their efforts, these ladies have left our subdivision clean and green thru the years.

Their latest accomplishment: THE 14 STATION OF THE CROSS.

Their ultimate mission/vision: to develop Sunvalley so that it will be known as the FLOWER AND GREEN VILLAGE of Metro Manila!

by A SUNVALLEY HISTORIAN

Food For Thought For All Seasons

VOLUNTERISM: Dead Or Dying?

VOLUNTERISM should be the underlying motivation for joining any organization, civic, religious, political, NGO's or homeowners' association or any group activities for that matter. One joins an organization to accomplish a goal/mission for the greater good to the greatest number.

VOLUNTERISM means service. Service means work. And work means SACRIFICE!

VOLUNTERISM in religious organizations does not mean: "pagkatapos ng Misa, tuloy sa LAMESA!" It does not mean gaining POWER/PRESTIGE, above things, RECOGNITION. Or any other physical advantage. It means serving the community- an in so doing, serving God. Especially the poor. For as long as you did it TO THE LEAST OF BRETHREN YOU DID IT TO ME!

VOLUNTERISM in civic/NGO's/HOMEOWNERS Association, also does not mean power, pretige, money or other material things. It does not mean enjoying free food, drinks and transportation for attending meetings, running errands or any other activities in behalf of the organization. It means service for the greater good to the greatest number.

VOLUNTERISM in political organizations does not mean public exposure to gain political advantage. It means expressing issues for the good of the public and the community at large and the nation.

Unfortunately, however, VOLUNTERISM is dying, and in some sectors, dead! Like the "bayanihan" of the old.

How do we revive this laudable culture of volunterism?

The ANSWER: Back to BASIC TEN (10)! The universally accepted tenets of MORALITY given by our God, our Lord and Master- our Creator. The basic lessons of which are LOVE, SACRIFICE, SHARING - and VOLUNTERISM!

Moral Discipline

"MORAL DISCIPLINE IS THE ONLY SURE ROAD TO NATIONAL GREATNESS"

(Quoted from Prof. Emmanuel Q. Yap's book "Let Us Build A Strong Nation", 1st Edition, 2003).

The late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos came out with a similar slogan thus:

"SA IKAUUNLAD NG BAYAN DISCIPLINA ANG KAILANGAN" (For the nation's progress discipline is needed)

The big difference though between these two (2) slogans is the omission of the all important word "MORAL" in the latter. Consequently, during dictatorship, we were subjected to all kinds of disciplinary actions, moral or immoral, to attain the ends of the dictator.

There is no question though that "moral discipline" is the only sure way to national greatness.

How do we acquire as a nation and as a people, this moral discipline?

As early as 1939, then President Manuel L. Quezon formed a Moral Code Committee (composed of Chief Justice Ramon Avancena as Chairman, Dr. Jose P. Laurel, Manuel A. Roxas, Jorge C. Bocobo, Norberto Romuladez, Members). Adopting the report of this Committee, President Quezon issued Executive Order No. 217 (Moral Code, 1939), the principal provisions of which reads:

MORAL CODE 1939

1. Have faith in Divine Providence that guides the destinies of men and nations.

2. Love your country for it is the home of your people, the seat of your affections and the source of your happiness and well-being. Its defense is your primary duty. Be ready at all times to sacrifice and die for it if necessary.

3. Rspect the Commission which is the expression of your sovereign will. The government is your government. It has been established for your safety and welfare. Obey the laws and see that they are observed by all that public officials comply with their duties.

4. Pay your taxes willingly and promptly. Citizenship implies not only rights but also obligation.

5. Safeguard the purity of suffrage and abide by the decisions of the majority.

6. Love and respect your parents.

7. Value your honor as you value your life. Poverty with honor is preferable to wealth with dishonor.

8. Be truthful and be honest in thought and in action. Be just and charitable, courteous but dignified in your dealings with your fellow men.

9. Lead a clean and frugal life. Do not indulge in frivolity and pretense. Be simple in your dress and modest in your behavior.

10. Live up to the noble traditions of our people. Venerate the memory of our heroes. Their lives point the way to duty and honor.

11. Be industrious. Be not afraid or ashamed to do manual labor. Productive toil is conductive to economic security and adds to the wealth of the nation.

12. Rely in your own efforts for your progress and happiness. Be not easily discouraged. Persevere in the pursuit of you legitimate ambitions.

13. Do your work cheerfully, thoroughly and well. Work badly done is worse than work undone. Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today.

14. Contribute to the welfare of your community and promote social justice. You do not live for yourselves and your families alone. You are a part of a society to which you owe definite responsibilities.

15. Cultivate the habit of using goods made in the Philippines. Patronize the products and trades of your countrymen.

16. Use and develop our natural resources and conserve them for prosperity. They are the inalienable heritage of our people. Do not traffic with your citizenship.

Seventy-nine (79) years have passed since this "Moral Code" was formulated. Today, in the year 2008, we are facing the same, and even more serious social, political and economic problems far more urgent that confronted our nation in 1939.

It is submitted that to make this "moral discipline" concept more readily understood. We should go back to the BASIC TEN (10)- the universally accepted moral code coming no less from our Creator and Lord and Master- God.

GUANXI AND ACCEPTING GIFTS

Under the Graft and Corrupt Practices Law, government officers and employees are prohibited from accepting any gifts, regardless of the value. In other words, the prohibition is ABSOLUTE.

This prohibition runs counter, however, to the Asian culture known as GUANXI. As explained by an internationally credible strategic forecasting outfit, one's relationship obligations require that "gifts" be provided in return for certain favors. In China, for example, this practice is quite acceptable under "guanxi". Not only is this considered ethical but the Chinese legal system would have trouble seeing this action as violating the law of China.It is culturally understood that the written law - like Anglo-American common laws- makes room for guanxi.

"GUANXI CULTURE" seems to be acceptable in our jurisdiction too, despite the clear prohibition in our law, particularly the prohibition involving government officers and employees.

Granting that "guanxi" culture is now part of our culture, what are the limits of gift giving? Will P50,000 or even P500,000 be an acceptable limit under guanxi?

Our lawmakers need to re-examine this particular afore cited provision of the law, to clearly define the limits of this "guanxi" culture.

Movement Towards Moral Recovery

JDV's call for a moral revolution is nothing new!

As early as 1987, right after EDSA I, a core group of concerned citizens initiated and launched a movement called a "MOVEMENT" TOWARDS MORAL RECOVERY "(MMR)"

These intrepid citizens are: Dr. Cynthia Bautista (Third Word Studies Center,UP), Dr. Ma. Lourdes Carandang (Psychology Dep't, Ateneo), Dr. Doreen Fernandez (Communications Dep't, Ateneo), Dr. Carolina Hernandez (Center for Integrated and Development Studies, UP), Dr. Lourdes Ignacio (College of Medicine, UP), Dr. Patricia Jieuanan (Political Science Dep't, UP), Prof. Carmela Ortigas (Psychology
Dep't, Ateneo), Dr. Antonio Perlas (Dep't of Health, Pfizer, Inc.), Dr. Carol Sobritebea (Asian Center, UP), and other prominent leaders like Shahani Ramos, Heherson T. Alvarez etc.

Their first action was to define the major problems/ issues facing the nation then. They came up with 16. On the top list was GRAFT and CORRUPTION. Most, if not all, consist of social, economic and even cultural problems interconnected with moral issues.

The movement soon fizzled out! Why? The movement did not catch fire because at that time, the people were still savoring the euphoria of the EDSA victory and optimistic that reforms will inevitably follow. Now, it is as if EDSA never happened and we are back to square one!

It is most urgent that we revive the MMR, making sure, however that it is spear headed by organizations/people who are not politicians, or connected with political parties, like people who launched this movement or organizations such as the PPCRV, CBCP, or the KILOSBAYAN and NGO's with out political links.

Ninoy's Letter to Noynoy

Got this from the mail:


LIHAM NI NINOY KAY NOYNOY

August 25, 1973

Fort Bonifacio

11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III

P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.

The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet "muleta" and sword. The Spaniards call this "the moment of truth." This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie's, your sisters', yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I've been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the "Anti-Subversion Act" and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it?

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.

For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.

In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.

Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.

It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant's revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,

Dad

Quo Vadis: Philippines? Solutions, not Lampoons!

Preface of the upcoming book - Quo Vadis: Philippines? (Towards peace, justice and progress) Solutions, Not Lampoons.

Martin Luther King, Jr., a peace advocate, said:

“OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END THE DAY

WE BECOME SILENT ABOUT THINGS

THAT MATTER”

What matters now are PEACE, JUSTICE and PROGRESS in this our benighted land.

Thus, inspite of having written already three (3) books and expressing our views on various forums , (written or verbal) I dare again to write this book on things that matters now. I do not want my life to begin to end inspite of the fact that in my advancing years I may be in the so-called pre-departure area already.

The emphasis of this book is to find solutions (not lampoons) to the many social, political and economic problems facing our beloved Philippines which have reached crisis proportions.

Maybe some of the solutions proposed are just ‘little things’ but as Father James B. Reuter used to tell the author:

“Little things make up to perfection

but perfection is not a little thing.”

A Call to Action!

As early as 1987, right after EDSA I, a core group of concerned citizens, namely:

Dr. Cynthia Bautista, Third World Studies Center, UP

Dr. Ma. Lourdes Carandang, Psychology Dep’t Ateneo

Dr. Doreen Fernandez, Communication Dep’t Ateneo

Dr. Carolina Hernandez, Center for Integrated and Development Studies, UP

Dr. Lourdes Ignacio, College of Medicine, UP

Dr. Patricia Jieuanan, Political Science Dep’t , UP

Prof. Felipe Miranda, Political Science Dep’t Ateneo

Prof. Carmela Otigas, Psychology Dep’t, Ateneo

Dr. Antonio Perlas, Dep’t of Health/Pfizer, Inc.

Dr. Carol Sobritebea, Asian Center, UP

Initiated and launched a movement called “MOVEMENT” TOWARDS MORAL RECOVERY” (MMR).

Among others, MMR outlined the issues facing us as a nation, thus:

1. Poverty Issues – that people do not have enough of the basics food: clothing, shelter, adequate education and health care.

2. Ecological Issue – that our trees are dying, forest is bare, fertility of the soil has been reduced to 50%, that our rivers and seas are polluted.

3. Graft and Corruption Issue – that our national coffers have been robbed; that smuggling, dollar salting, tax evasion from the 1,000 corporations, mishandling of public funds, graft and corruption are still rampant practices constituting economic sabotage.

4. Justice Issue - that our courts grind slowly for those who are without power in our society, that people in general do not obey the laws nor the rules especially in our streets.

5. That ‘more concern’ is in fact being promoted which makes law evasion almost a virtue. Sex Exploration of Women and Children – that our children and women are sexually exploited; that our men become exploiters particularly of women and do not collectively fight for the dignity of their women and children.

6. Social Justice Issue – that a significant number of our farmers, fishermen and tribal minorities are severely suffering from lack of access to life.

7. Discrimination – that our women, youth and children are discriminated against in work benefits.

8. Oppression – that syndicates among the poor exist to oppress their own kind.

9. Materialism and Consumerism – in a country with so much poverty, persons are becoming materialistic and consumeristic.

10. Violence – that life has become very cheap; violence is projected in media; pornography takes away all sense of nobility.

11. Outmigration – that the Philippines is being depleted in human resources. There is both a brain drain and a brawn drain.

12. Colonial Mentality – still a colonial mentality exist in the Philippines.

13. Inefficiency and Poor Public Service – that our government bureaucracies still lack discipline and a sense of service to people.

14. Threat of a Coup de’ Etat – that some persons wish to violate the constitution by an unlawful seizure of power.

Well Defined. But the question is: Considering contemporary scenery and happenings, which of these issues have been adequately or even just superficially solved?

Hardly! Because all things considered our country is still in the same, if not worse situation 20 years ago!

We hope that this book, even in little things, will offer some solutions to some of these issues/problems.

Cha-Cha: A Trojan Horse vs. GMA?

During the `watch’ of Pres. Ramos when Cha-cha was first floated around, we cautioned him (through a newspaper issue) that Cha-cha could be a Trojan horse to bring about the shortening of his term, or worse, his ouster. For it is a well settled principle in international law that once a constitutional body is convened, whether through con-con or con-ass that body becomes the supreme authority of the nation. Being such, it could make any changes in the Constitution, including altering the form of government, and of course, the shortening of the President’s term and even abolishing the position, with or without the consent of the incumbent. No law could set restriction or limitations to this supreme authority.

The Constitution, after all, is in fact “the organic instrument to which government owes its being… that from which their existence flows, and by which the powers (or portions of the right to govern), which may have been committed to them, are prescribed”. It is their commission – nay it is their creator. It is “the written instrument agreed upon by the people… as the absolute rule of action and decision for all departments and offices of the government… and in opposition to which any act or rule of any department, even of the people themselves, will be altogether void”. It is, in other words, the supreme written law of the land. (Bernas on the Constitution citing Kamper v. Hawkins, 1 Va Cas. 20, 24 (1793) and Colley, Constitutional Limitations (1868)).

Pres. GMA, is therefore, similarly forewarned!

Besides, Cha-cha at this time, is not appropriate for the following reasons:

1. The 1987 Constitution has not been fully implemented to-date.Many of its provisions, like transparency, anti-dynasty, etc. which need enabling laws, have not been passed by Congress.
2. When there is a political crisis, tinkering with the constitution is not the best time.
3. Cha-cha is not a solution to the economic crisis. The government should stay focused on solving the economic problems instead. Cha-cha is divisive.
4. The great majority of the people, as reflected in the surveys still prefer the presidential form of government.
5. More extensive consultation with the people should precede any Cha-cha.

Fr. Harold Reusch, C.P.: The Priest for All Seasons

Inauguration Address - Dedication to Fr. Harry's Garden
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish
Sun Valley, Paranaque City

When I first learned that Fr. Harry was going to be the first Parish Priest of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, the first thought that came to my mind was the image of “DIRTY HARRY”, then a very popular Hollywood actor! His film depicted a character who would use all extra-legal means to accomplish his mission. No quarters given. Shoot first before asking questions! Force is the solution!

I was dead wrong, of course.

I recall that 2 to 3 weeks before he was installed, the late Fr. Quaranta brought Fr. Harry to our house. Ampy and I were then in our kitchen when Fr. Quaranta suddenly went straight to the kitchen, tagging along Fr. Harry. This started our “loving relationship” with Fr. Harry. Ampy and I immediately liked him. Even then he looked like a saint coming down to earth to be of further service to humanity. What with his saintly bearings and demeanor.

This time, I was proven right!

It was extraordinary bravery for Fr. Harry to accept a Parish – without a Church and a “convento”. No visible church volunteers to assist him in his work as Parish Priest. A first class missionary work!

He was thus installed almost literally in the street. Following the directive of Cardinal Sin – that he be installed soonest – even in the street! No place to stay since there was no convento. The Parishioners had to assign families to feed him. He had to stay in a place generously offered by a parishioner as his convento. Such humility!

Fr. Harry was not only a good planner but also a DOER. Immediately, he looked for a site of the future Church. It took a lot of effort and convincing the civil authorities and the Church hierarchy to have the Church built in this present sight. Of course, almost all parishioners of Sun Valley extended their full cooperation. The architectural design was accomplished in no time. And a fund raising drive for the Church construction was also started.

He was also able to organize at least four (4) mandated organizations. The KC, CWL, AP and Holy Crusaders to assist him in the Parish work. And a PPC too! In record time. Such DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP!

But as the saying goes, “all work and no pay, makes Juan a dull boy”. He loves to play tennis with the Sun Valley tennis enthusiasts. During one of those occasions, Fr. Harry rewarded to us: “This park is the lungs of Sun Valley.” Take care of it!

His Leadership was not only dynamic – but well BALANCED as well. He was concerned not only of the spiritual welfare of his parishioners – but also the physical and social interactions of his parishioners.

His love for the less fortunate parishioners was very evident. He always reminded is that the mandated organizations primary task was to help the poor. “As long as you did it to the least of my brethren, you did it to me” – was his favorite homily.

In sum, if I were to put the epitaph in his grave – I will engrave the following:

“HERE LIES A PRIEST FOR ALL SEASONS.”